Candace chuckled. “No, sweetheart, not right now. We do have to make our way to a party.”
Cooper brightened.
“Oh, that woke you up,” Candace said.
“Why don’t you go to the bathroom and brush your teeth, Coop,” Jameson said. “I’ll be right there.” She turned to Candace. “Congratulations.” Her lips met Candace’s tenderly.
Candace held Jameson’s face.
Jameson smiled. “You have a room full of people to hug,” she whispered. “I’ll get Coop ready.”
“Jameson.” Candace tugged on Jameson’s hand. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Madame President.”
12:45 A.M EST.
VICTORY SPEECH
Candace walked out onto the stage to a roar unlike any she’d ever heard. She walked back and forth and waved before stepping to the podium.
“So, here we are,” she greeted the room. “I recall a little girl watching her grandfather greet an audience much like this one. Watching my grandfather, not just as he campaigned or made speeches, but as he talked to people, I knew that one day I wanted to be like him. I wanted to touch people’s lives in some small way.”
“We love you!”
Candace chuckled. “I love you too. This election has never been about me. It’s always been about you. I’ve heard your stories. I’ve listened to your frustration, and I’ve enjoyed all the dreams that have been shared with me, some by children and some by grandparents. At every turn, every factory or meeting hall, every coffee shop and every rally, you’ve reminded me what this election was all about—what America is all about. You’ve shown me your scars, and shared with me your triumphs. I’ve shed tears, and I have laughed until my sides ached. I’ve listened. We have a lot to do. We need more of that laughter and less of those tears. And, that is what we are going to strive to achieve together. I have so many people that I need to thank. All the many volunteers who did everything from make phone calls to give people a ride to the polls. We couldn’t offer them much more than some bad coffee and the promise we’d do our best to reach this day. My campaign staff and advisers, Glenn Freeman, Doug Mills, Grant Hill and my wonderful daughter, Michelle who has been more of a guide than she will ever realize. And, my amazing friend who keeps me on track, Dana Russo. Your next Vice President, Nate Ellison and his incredible family for agreeing to be part of this journey.” Candace took a breath. “Most of all, I want to thank my family. I have the most amazing children and grandchildren anyone could ask for. You can call me bias. I am. I’m also right.”
Affectionate laughter rose through the crowd.
“Marianne, Shell, Jonah, and Cooper—each of them has endured my lengthy absences and the scrutiny of the press. They have never once faltered in their love and support. And, you know our family has had its losses. But it also continues to grow. Spencer, Maddie, JJ, Sophie, Amanda, and Brody—you remind me every day how precious life is and how bright the future is for all of us.” Candace cleared her throat. “I lost my mother earlier this year. I’m blessed that I had two women who raised me. I want to thank my other mother, Pearl for never letting me get away with too much nonsense.”
The crowd laughed again.
Candace’s voice softened. “And, let’s be clear. There’s no one I need to thank more than the love of my life, my wife, Jameson.”
Cheers and clapping began to thunder through the ballroom.
Candace laughed. “I don’t blame you,” she said. “Jameson and I both know what it’s like to feel you have to hide who you are, to fear that you will be judged or shut out of opportunities because some people view you as different. I want a world that not only respects our differences; I want a world that thrives because of them. This country has been called ‘a shining city upon a hill.’ In the harbor of this great city we love, a woman stands holding a torch to guide the way for weary travelers, to welcome them to a land of opportunity and prosperity. That is who we are. Every one of us is one of those travelers, seeking a place where we are not only free to dream, but where we might turn dreams into reality. Every one of us must also serve as a beacon, shining a light into the darkness toward a brighter future. Together, we will do that. And, it must be together.” Candace paused. “A short while ago, I received a call from Bradley Wolfe.”
A few groans emerged. Candace held up her hand.
“I want to thank him for a hard-fought campaign and for raising issues that are on the hearts and minds of many Americans. We do have differences. We must be willing to acknowledge the things that separate us if we hope to come together. Honest dialogue, listening, reaching across lines that make us uncomfortable—that is what we must do to build a stronger, fairer, more prosperous America for us all. You have placed your trust in me. I accept the responsibility with humility and gratefulness. I understand the enormity of the task before me. I cannot do it alone. Just as we reached this day together, so we also must work together to create a better tomorrow for all. The time for campaign speeches and promises is over, my friends. Now, we forge ahead not as Democrats and Republicans, liberals or conservatives—as Americans. Each day when I wake up and go to work, I will remember your faces and recall your stories. I will remember that YOU are America. That is what makes us ‘the shining city upon a hill.’ God bless this wonderful country. Thank you. Thank you all.”
***
“You were amazing,” Jameson whispered in Candace’s ear as she waved to the crowd.
“No, they were.” Candace looked out at her supporters.
“You know it’s going to get even crazier?” Jameson said.
Candace chuckled. Cooper and Spencer were waving enthusiastically to the crowd. She glanced over to see Michelle bouncing with Brody. Marianne was scooping up a sleepy Maddie, and Jonah was laughing at JJ while he twirled a streamer. “Good thing I’m used to lunatics,” she whispered back.
Jameson laughed. The White House will never be the same again.
THE END
To be continued in
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
BOOKS BY JA ARMSTRONG
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